Court Grants Bail To Suspected Military Pension Thieves

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court sitting in Jabi has granted bail to the two military officers accused of complicity in stealing monies meant for payment of death benefits of deceased officers.

Justice D. Z. Senchi granted Ishaka Yakubu and Akinbamidele Odunsi bail on Wednesday following their arraignment by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The suspects were arraigned alongside two bank officials – Abidemi Kolade and Violet Ofoegbunam – on six counts bordering on conspiracy and stealing of pension funds to the tune of N339million.

A statement issued Thursday by the EFCC spokesman, Mr Wilson Uwujaren, said the offence breaches Section 315 of the Penal Code Act Cap 532 LFN (Abuja) 1990, and is punishable under the same Act.

During their arraignment on November 9, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge following which the court ordered their remand in prison and adjourned till November 15 for ruling on their bail application.

In his ruling on Wednesday, Justice Senchi admitted each of the accused persons to bail in the sum of N1million each with two sureties in like sum.

The judge, however, said each of the sureties must own property worth N200million and must deposit original title of the property with the court.

The case was further adjourned till January 23, 2018 for hearing.